THE Scottish Government vowed to get tough today as shock figures showed our obesity levels are second only in the developed world to the US.
THE Scottish Government vowed to get tough today as shock figures showed our obesity levels are second only in the developed world to the US.
A Government report said obesity in the adult population has increased by 46% since 1995 and there have been marked increases in men aged 35-64 and in women aged 35-44.
One in five children in primary seven were estimated to be obese in 2004/05.
In the wake of the report the Government announced plans to remove sweets and fizzy drinks from schools, while the amount of chips served in school meals will also be cut.
The new rules will also ensure the provision of fruit and vegetables.
The Government report said the "obesity epidemic" in Scotland must be addressed and outlines the extent of the "major public health problem".
It's estimated obese people in Scotland are 18% more likely to be hospitalised, while the cost of treating obesity-related disease was estimated at £171million in 2001.
The condition is likely to result in rising levels of Type 2 diabetes, colon cancer and hypertension.
Declining levels of physical activity and "sedentary lifestyles" are highlighted in the report as a possible factor in the growing levels of obesity in developed countries.
The shock figures come as another survey found fitness in the UK is now at "danger level", with more than half the population now unable to cycle for 20 minutes.
The shocking survey results out today reveal more than two thirds (68%) can't do 20 sit-ups and 53% of those questioned couldn't touch their toes.
A total of 66% of respondents confessed to not doing any fast-paced fitness activity, such as cycling, running or speed walking, in the last year.
advertisement In addition, almost half (42%) of those quizzed said they couldn't climb three flights of stairs without becoming breathless, the Basic Fitness Audit for health club chain LA Fitness found.
Fred Turok, chairman of LA Fitness, said: "Fitness levels in this country are reaching danger levels - not being able to touch your toes sounds laughable, but it's a national tragedy.
"It demonstrates basic flexibility - a lack of which can result in life-threatening circulatory problems and arthritis, as well as joint problems and shortening of ligaments leading to complete immobility."
The audit, which involved interviews with 1000 people, showed that 89% were aware of the "five-a-day" campaign, which encourages people to eat more fruit and vegetables.
But one in three said they felt "saturated with healthy eating material and messages" and over half were "very confused" about recommended exercise.
The study found those in Northern Ireland are the least fit, with 50% unable to carry home supermarket bags and 69% unable to touch their toes.
The study comes at a time when more than 1.2million Scots are "abdominally obese", putting them at heightened risk of health problems.
Almost a third of Scots are now at risk of developing heart disease and diabetes because of expanding waists.
A woman with a waist above 35ins and a man whose waist is more than 40ins are classified as "abdominally obese".
The West of Scotland has the UK's worst record for heart attacks.
In Glasgow, 586 men and 188 women under 65 suffered fatal cardiac arrests between 2003 and 2005.
